Deep Cove Cancer Survivor: Sandra Crawford
October 10, 2009
By Rev Ed & Janice Hird
Sandra Crawford
Struck by cancer, Sandra Crawford, a born-and-bred Deep Cove/Dollarton resident, never let it defeat her. In this very succinct and transparent book, she explains from the beginning of the journey till the end what it is like to go through all the emotional and physical experiences of breast cancer. By reading this remarkable book, friends and family can better understand the different stages of this journey.
One of her tools for defeating cancer was to keep a daily journal in which she recorded her thoughts, feelings, and prayers. This journal later proved invaluable in writing her 
remarkable book ‘In the Arms of My Beloved: A Journey through Breast Cancer’*.
Cancer is devastating not only to the person but to the family. It was helpful to read and understand how much someone with cancer needs encouragement from their loved ones. Sandra’s way of writing motivates you to want to come alongside her and be one of her cheerleaders. It made us want to be more caring as a friend and family member to those who are hurting.
Sandra writes: “In my small village of Deep
Deep Cove
Cove, we see many rainbows in the spring. Carrying on the tradition of my mum, whenever I see one, I run to the window to take in the wonder of God’s beauty…” Deep Cove rainbows represented for Sandra victory over cancer.
The suggestions for those going through treatment were very practical. Her down-to-earth way of describing chemotherapy and radiation treatment gave the reader an understanding of what cancer patients really go through. It also removes much of the fear and mystery that surrounds this often taboo area.
Dr. Ruth Demian, MD, commented: “Throughout her journey with breast cancer, Sandra has refused to stay down or be embittered, but has overcome every challenge with faith, courage and determination. Her inspiring story offers hope and practical wisdom to those who are walking through difficult times, especially when faced with serious or life threatening illnesses.”
Sandra is a fighter. She never let cancer defeat her and steal her reason to live. Her sense of humour even in the midst of great challenges was inspiring. Her humour reminded us of her late mother Jackie Crawford. As a young girl, Sandra often sat on the floor of her mother’s office, pecking out cheerful letters to “Mummy” on an old Underwood typewriter.
Coming from a long line of letter writers, she soon demonstrated a natural ability to lift even the saddest heart with a simple note of encouragement or a heart-felt poem. 
Pastor Lina Gabeli commented: “As you read the pages of this book, you will be strengthened in your faith and fall more in love with Jesus, knowing that with God all things are possible when you believe in His promises and appropriate His word. This is a must read for everyone who is facing sickness or a personal crisis.”‘In the Arms of My Beloved’ can be purchased at your local Christian bookstore or ordered online. We give thanks to God for raising up Sandra Crawford to give hope to others facing cancer.
The Rev. Ed & Janice Hird
St. Simon’s Church North Vancouver
Anglican Mission in the Americas (Canada)
http://stsimonschurch.ca
-author of the award-winning ‘Battle for the Soul of Canada’
http://www.battleforthesoulofcanada.blogspot.com
p.s. In order to obtain a copy of the book ‘Battle for the Soul of Canada’, please send a $18.50 cheque to ‘Ed Hird’, #1008-555 West 28th Street, North Vancouver, BC V7N 2J7. For mailing the book to the USA, please send $20.00 USD. This can also be done by PAYPAL using the e-mail ed_hird@telus.net . Be sure to list your mailing address. The Battle for the Soul of Canada e-book can be obtained for $9.99 CDN/USD.
-Click to download a complimentary PDF copy of the Battle for the Soul study guide : Seeking God’s Solution for a Spirit-Filled Canada
You can also download the complimentary Leader’s Guide PDF: Battle for the Soul Leaders Guide
* http://www.sandracrawford.com
-an article for the Nov 2009 Deep Cove Crier
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edhird
“In the Arms of My Beloved” can save lives, whether one has cancer or not! Sandra Crawford’s inspiring, practical, and engaging story is one of attitude and faith, the choices and actions she embraced every day to not merely survive cancer and its horrible treatments, or barely hang on, but to L-I-V-E. Through each stage of this journey, Sandra learned how to recognize God’s involvement and presence, and when the greater trials came, based on God’s faithful pattern, she knew He would be there again, giving her wisdom and discernment regarding her care: practical and spiritual, and courage and faith forward. With many members of my family battling cancer right now–this book will meet many of their needs, and help me to better meet theirs’.
Your comments, Shae, are right on. Even apart from cancer, Sandra has embraced the joy of life, how to live abundantly and not just survive. Her vitality shows through clearly in every page of her book.
Ed and Janice,
Thank you for your excellent and clear review of what is evidently a splendid book. Even the title Sandra has chosen provides an initial, evocative sense of comfort, which I’m sure will engage cancer sufferers and their caring loved ones reaching out for help and hope.
Peter.
Awesome blog!
I thought about starting my own blog too but I’m just too lazy so, I guess I‘ll just have to keep checking yours out.
LOL,